By: Peace udugba- The daily torch media
A review of official documents, government records, and court filings has uncovered an alarming pattern suggesting that funds designated for public development in Bauchi State were allegedly diverted through informal and opaque channels.
Between late 2023 and July 2024, the Bauchi State Government reportedly transferred millions of dollars outside the formal banking system under the justification of meeting unspecified “security obligations.” According to internal state records and statements filed in court, these transactions were largely conducted through non‑institutional mechanisms.
At one point, he faced terrorism‑related charges, though these were later withdrawn by the Office of the Attorney‑General of the Federation (AGF) without public explanation. Despite the legal troubles, Bauchi State financial documents indicate that Mr. Bodejo received approximately 2.33 million, paid in four instalments over a four‑month period spanning 2023 and 2024.
In July 2024, the state’s Accountant‑General, Sa’idu Abubakar, reportedly sought retroactive approval for payments already made earlier in the year. In a memo forwarded to Governor Bala Mohammed through the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Abubakar requested the “regularisation” of the earlier disbursements.
That memo reportedly accounted for nearly 17 million — specifically $16,985,000 — alongside ₦75.2 million released to various individuals during the period, including the amounts attributed to Mr. Bodejo. The request for retrospective approval sparked concern among financial oversight advocates, who argue that such actions undermine principles of transparency and accountability.
Instead of conventional bank transfers, much of the funds were allegedly withdrawn in cash, routed through intermediaries, and handed out to various recipients — including private individuals and corporate entities. Sources familiar with the matter told PREMIUM TIMES that these disbursements did not follow standard financial protocols. Instead, agents acting on instructions from government officials allegedly distributed cash at venues ranging from restaurants and retail outlets to private homes in Abuja,
In testimony before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), one of the agents involved in the cash movements reportedly said that beneficiaries were not asked to sign acknowledgements or provide documentation confirming receipt of the funds.
Among those identified as recipients in the state’s financial records was Bello Bodies, a prominent figure within Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore (MAKH) — an organisation that has repeatedly attracted scrutiny from Nigeria’s security agencies. Mr. Bodejo reportedly spent an estimated six months in detention in 2024 following several encounters with law enforcement.
Officials in the governor’s office have yet to respond publicly to requests for comment on the alleged cash movements and the contents of the memo. Meanwhile, analysts say the disclosures raise urgent questions about governance, fiscal oversight, and the use of public funds in the state.
The EFCC and other watchdog agencies are reportedly reviewing the records as part of ongoing inquiries into the transactions.
